Local woman’s work featured in Oscar swag bags

Rebecca Ashby shows off her goods that will be featured in this year's Oscar bags (Tiffany Wayne Photography)

Every big fashion designer vies to dress the celebrities on Oscar night, but there is another element of the awards show that can be just as desirable — the swag bag. Those are those not-so-little gift bags presenters, nominees and other celebrities get for coming to the Academy Awards.

And this year a local woman will have her wares in that goodie bag.

When stars open get home and explore their swag bag they’ll see coasters and stir sticks in the mix. Those were designed by Rebecca Ashby, founder and creative director of The Pink Orange in Schenectady. The favors are from her “dotty” collection, part of the company’s Celebrations line of ready-to-order party goods.

While Ashby now says this is more exciting than anything she envisioned happening professionally, she hesitated when the scout reached out asking her to contribute to the gift bag. This was a big request. She wasn’t sure which items to choose and then wondered if her vendor could fill the request on what was going to be a quick turn-around. Her husband pointed out just how crazy she’d be if she didn’t accept this opportunity, and she agreed.

“It was a level I never thought I’d get to,” says Ashby. “It’s just going to open up a huge, huge opportunity to me.”

Her creations will be placed in all 40 bags and handed out at the luxury lounge this weekend.
For more on Ashby and to see her work, log on to http://www.thepinkorange.com.